Matt H. Ciscel

Language and identity in post-Soviet Moldova

Introduction

Language and identity in post-soviet moldova. Explore language and identity in post-Soviet Moldova. Analyze multilingualism, the status of Russian, Moldovan vs. Romanian, and English's role in Moldova's linguistic identity crisis.

Abstract

The multilingual Republic of Moldova emerged from the Soviet Union between 1989 and 1991 as an example of the linguistic complications that can result from imperial domination and the mobility associated with political change. The study draws on historical, survey, and ethnographic data to illustrate the complexity of the accessible language and social identities in the emergent country. Among the issues discussed are the status of Russian, the argument over the status of Moldovan as an independent language or a dialect of Romanian, and the role of English as an international language in Moldova's globalizing culture and economy. Trends in the survey data are both reinforced and challenged by the ethnographic data. In conclusion, I argue that the linguistic identity crisis in Moldova seems far from resolution, even though some reasons for hope can be identified.

Review

This paper promises a timely and insightful examination of the complex interplay between language and identity in the Republic of Moldova, a country uniquely positioned at the crossroads of post-Soviet transition and European integration. By framing Moldova as a vivid example of linguistic complications stemming from imperial domination and political upheaval, the study immediately establishes its relevance to broader discussions in sociolinguistics, postcolonial studies, and political geography. The abstract outlines a comprehensive scope, aiming to illustrate the intricate nature of accessible language and social identities within this emergent nation. A key strength of the proposed research lies in its multi-modal methodological approach, integrating historical analysis with both survey and ethnographic data. This combination is particularly well-suited to disentangling the layered complexities of linguistic identity, allowing for a nuanced understanding of both macro-level trends and micro-level lived experiences. The study judiciously identifies core issues, including the contested status of Russian, the protracted debate over Moldovan versus Romanian, and the emerging influence of English in a globalizing context. The abstract's indication that survey data is both 'reinforced and challenged by the ethnographic data' suggests a sophisticated analytical framework that avoids simplistic conclusions. In conclusion, this paper appears poised to make a significant contribution to our understanding of linguistic dynamics in transitional societies. The author's central argument, that Moldova's linguistic identity crisis remains largely unresolved, is a compelling and perhaps sobering finding, yet the abstract also teases out 'reasons for hope,' suggesting a balanced and forward-looking perspective. This research, with its robust methodology and focus on critical linguistic debates, offers valuable insights into the persistent legacies of imperial history and the ongoing challenges of nation-building, making it a highly pertinent and potentially impactful study for scholars and policymakers alike.

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